The Appeal of Midwest Country Living

Glenwood, Iowa | Bailey Anselme

The Midwest’s expansive countryside is home to a significant agriculture industry. Away from the noise and lights of the city, residents can settle into safe and peaceful communities steeped in natural beauty. Let’s explore some of the primary perks of Midwest country living. 

Housing Affordability

Housing affordability is a major issue in the U.S., but for those residing in the Midwest’s countryside, housing costs—and the cost of living in general—are incredibly low.

According to data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center for the second quarter of 2023, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri all rank among the top 11 states with the most affordable living costs. Beyond the significant cities in these states, rural areas offer properties with more space at significantly lower prices compared to many other areas across the country. 

Henderson, Nebraska | Taylor Siebert

Farm-Fresh Food

A key facet of the Midwest’s reputation lies in its role as an agricultural hub. Often referred to as “America’s Breadbasket” due to its substantial wheat production, the Midwest encompasses thriving produce and cattle-farming industries. In the countryside, you’ll be immersed in this agricultural richness. You will have opportunities to explore farmers markets, orchards, and farm-to-table restaurants.

Hamilton County, Nebraska | Taylor Siebert

Gorgeous Scenery and Outdoor Recreation

A rural lifestyle offers a peaceful escape from the bustling urban landscapes of big cities. In the countryside, you’ll find stunning landscapes brimming with natural beauty. Missouri is known for its stunning Ozark region, with mountains and lakes; Kansas and Nebraska offer vast, open plains and scenic flat landscapes; and Iowa features rugged forests and winding lakes. Also, the Midwest countryside provides the perfect setting for nature-driven recreation, with areas for fishing, hiking, boating, and hunting. 

Elephant Rocks State Park, Missouri Ozarks | Deborah Raney

Pleasant Communities Away From the Big City

Although the Midwest has incredible cities, including St. Louis, Omaha, Wichita, and Des Moines, urban living isn’t for everyone. In the pleasant rural communities throughout the Midwest, residents can enjoy a quieter, slower pace of life.

Instead of traffic jams and crowded streets, you’ll find open country roads. Instead of cramped condominiums, you may opt for expansive properties with a much lower cost per square foot. This option calls out to many. Given the abundance of appealing small-town and rural communities in the Midwest, buyers who desire the country lifestyle will have a wealth of towns to choose from. 

Central Kansas | Matt Phillips